Not everyone in this age group may need screening for every condition listed here. Click on the links above to read more about each condition and to determine if screening may be appropriate for you or your family member. You should discuss screening options with your health care practitioner.

Overview

You can safeguard and enhance your health, perhaps for many decades, by having certain screening tests a few times in your 20s. The tests are used for early detection of some of the more common and potentially serious diseases occurring in adults, such as sexually transmitted diseases, cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.

Screening tests can find certain conditions in their earliest and most treatable stages, even before you notice symptoms. With information from screening tests, your healthcare provider can work with you to develop preventive measures that will help you remain healthier in your later years. For example, a routine cholesterol test could reveal your risk of developing heart disease, allowing you to take preventive measures—like lifestyle changes—before you develop a serious condition.

The menu above links you to articles on the laboratory screening tests suggested for young adults, up to 29 years old. The articles summarize the recommendations from various authorities, and there is consensus in many areas, but not all. Therefore, when discussing screening with your healthcare provider and making decisions about testing, it is important to consider your individual health situation and risk factors.

Proudly sponsored by ...

Learn more about ...

Get the Mobile App

Follow Us

This page was last reviewed on October 7, 2016. | This page was last modified on October 7, 2016.

The review date indicates when the page was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the page, so the two dates may not always agree.

The modified date indicates that one or more changes were made to the page. Such changes may or may not result from a full review of the page, so the two dates may not always agree.